Chapter 1. General Checkout - IBM xSeries 200 Hardware Maintenance Manual

Chapter 1. General checkout

The server diagnostic programs are stored in upgradable
read-only memory (ROM) on the system board. These
programs are the primary method of testing the major
components of the server: The system board, Ethernet
controller, video controller, RAM, keyboard, mouse
(pointing device), diskette drive, serial ports, hard drives,
and parallel port. You can also use them to test some
external devices. See "Diagnostic programs and error
messages" on page 13.
Also, if you cannot determine whether a problem is caused
by the hardware or by the software, you can run the
diagnostic programs to confirm that the hardware is
working properly.
When you run the diagnostic programs, a single problem
might cause several error messages. When this occurs,
work to correct the cause of the first error message. After
the cause of the first error message is corrected, the other
error messages might not occur the next time you run the
test.
A failed system might be part of a shared DASD cluster
(two or more systems sharing the same external storage
device(s)). Prior to running diagnostics, verify that the
failing system is not part of a shared DASD cluster.
A system might be part of a cluster if:
v The customer identifies the system as part of a cluster.
v One or more external storage units are attached to the
system and at least one of the attached storage units is
additionally attached to another system or unidentifiable
source.
v One or more systems are located near the failing
system.
If the failing system is suspected to be part of a shared
DASD cluster, all diagnostic tests can be run except
diagnostic tests which test the storage unit (DASD residing
in the storage unit) or the storage adapter attached to the
storage unit.
Notes:
1. For systems that are part of a shared DASD cluster,
run one test at a time in looped mode. Do not run all
tests in looped mode, as this could enable the DASD
diagnostic tests.
2. If multiple error codes are displayed, diagnose the first
error code displayed.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000
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